Anthropopathy is a term used to describe the attribution of human emotions and characteristics to non-human entities such as deities or animals. The word is spelled as [an-thruh-puh-thee] in IPA phonetic transcription. It is made up of the roots "anthropo-", meaning human, and "-pathy", meaning suffering or feeling. This word is often used in religious or philosophical contexts to describe the perception of gods or divine beings as having human emotions and behaviors. The correct spelling and pronunciation of this word are important to accurately convey its meaning.
Anthropopathy is a noun that refers to the ascribing of human emotions, characteristics, or behavior to deities, inanimate objects, or natural phenomena. The term is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "anthropos," meaning human, and "pathos," meaning feeling or suffering.
In religious and mythological contexts, anthropopathy is commonly used to describe the humanizing of divine beings. It involves attributing emotions, desires, and actions that are typically associated with humans to gods, goddesses, or other supernatural entities. This concept allows humans to relate to their deities on a more personal level, enabling them to understand or connect with the divine in a more familiar way.
Anthropopathy can also extend beyond religious or supernatural contexts. It can be seen in literary works where human-like traits are ascribed to non-human characters or entities, such as animals, plants, or even abstract concepts. By anthropomorphizing these elements, authors are able to create relatable characters and narratives that resonate with human experiences.
However, it is crucial to note that anthropopathy should not be confused with personification or the attribution of human characteristics to non-human things for the purpose of metaphor or symbolic representation. Anthropopathy specifically refers to the endowment of human emotions or behavior onto objects or beings that are traditionally seen as beyond the realm of human experience.
Human affections or passions as pert. to the Supreme Being.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "anthropopathy" is derived from two Greek roots: "anthropos" meaning "human" and "pathos" meaning "suffering" or "emotion". Put together, "anthropopathy" literally translates to "human suffering" or "human emotion". The term is commonly used in theology and philosophy to refer to the attribution of human emotions or characteristics to gods, deities, or inanimate objects.